Nick's a jerk anyway, and the phrase 'hero-worship' implies that the admiration is irrational and what the hell is irrational about it? Gerard came out of nowhere and helped Joe stitch someone's back closed. Can Nick bind peoples' skin together? Didn't think so.

And for the past few days now, Gerad's been coming over to Joe's building and knocking ( Read more... )

Ashlee had resigned herself to spinsterhood. She had long ago learned that life wasn't fair; that lesson came in the form of an older sister who flirted with scandal but still got her hearts desire, of the collapse of her father's business, in tear-stained conversations as her father informed her that they had no dowry and no prospects for her, I' ( Read more... )

The fire was the most terrifying thing Ashlee had ever experienced. Their little house was spared the worst, though the ash and the soot in the air made every breath a struggle. She made a tent out of the linens, dragged their meagre supplies in under it, and sealed herself in with her son, hoping that the extra fabric would save them from the ( Read more... )